Department of English

What is it like to study English at A-level?

There isn't a single "English" at A-level. You have to choose between English Literature, English Language, or the combined English Language and Literature. If you're very keen on studying English, you can do the single Literature course together with the single Language. They are quite different subjects and in many ways they support each other.

What is the difference between the English courses?

It's probably true to say that the study of English Literature is fairly similar to what you have done in the past. At this level, of course, you can expect to explore texts in more depth, do some wider reading of your own, and be encouraged to think and work independently. You'll also need to perfect your essay-writing skills. English Language, however, is in many ways a brand new subject. You will be introduced, for example, to the study of how we talk (not something on the GCSE syllabuses) and when considering written texts you will need to learn a new vocabulary to do so. (For example, you'll need to know things like verb tenses, pronouns and imperative verbs). English Language and Literature will combine the demands of Literature (in terms of reading and preparation at home) with many of the linguistic approaches of English Language. We strongly advise you to come and talk to one of us at an open evening in January.

Click on the links below for further details of our English courses:

• AS and A-Level English Literature
• AS and A-Level English Language
• AS and A-Level English

How do I know which of the three courses is best for me?

This is a question we're often asked, and the best place to ask is at an open evening. There's no easy answer, but however you decide, don't let your GCSE grade be the main thing to influence you. Whatever you choose, you really should want to study it because you think you'll be interested in it. A disappointing GCSE grade will almost certainly not mean a poor A-level grade if you're interested, motivated and prepared to work.

What can I do with an English A-level?

Studying English ought to help you with other A-levels, for a start. If you're thinking in terms of studying the subjects at university, it's worth bearing in mind that good English degrees are very highly regarded, and not only in the areas you'd expect. Careers in law, for example, are as possible as careers in (say) journalism. Along with other humanities subjects, English does not have a direct vocational content, although parts of the language course do offer a little by way of preparation for journalism, junior school teaching, speech therapy, and for the teaching of English as a second language.

Entry requirements

Greenhead allows you to study here if you have five GCSE's at grade C and above. You don't need to have an A or even a B in English in order to study it. It's more important that you are interested, motivated and not afraid of work. We will do the rest.

English Preparatory Reading List

If you decide to study English Literature either by following the AS English Literature course or the combined English Language and Literature course, you may wish to begin some preparatory reading before you start in September; this would be both enjoyable and useful. Look at the reading list here....

What students think

 

AS Language and Literature

‘This course has been perfect for me as I enjoyed the combination of language and literature. The teaching methods were very good and I found my teachers approachable.

‘The English Language and Literature course has improved my essay planning and writing skills. This course is particularly helpful to people who want to study or work in areas like journalism’

‘I really enjoyed English and will keep it on next. I feel that I greatly improved both my writing and reading skills and feel sure that next year I will improve even more. Really enjoyed the spoken word and the desk study.’

‘I found that the course has been interesting and will be useful for the future as reading and writing is a basic necessity of life. The teachers have been really helpful and supportive and have made the course content as lively as possible’.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and feel that I have learnt many new things.

A2 English Language and Literature

‘Really enjoyed each part of the course and found the theatre trip very very useful in understanding ‘Translations’. I am going to miss the lessons!’

‘I have enjoyed the course and I’m glad I chose to do English here. Studying English here is the reason I’m carrying on with it at uni.’

‘Fantastic course. Could not have asked for better, more enthusiastic or more supportive teaching – have thoroughly enjoyed both years here, and the summary handouts are the best in any subject!’

‘I’ve enjoyed the course lots and lots. I can now analyse anything with a literary or linguistic framework!’

AS Language

‘Child Language Acquisition was especially interesting and I felt I was a good way to start the year. I feel the order of the units was excellent and helped to vary the work’

‘The teaching quality was excellent. Thank you”!’
‘Start your coursework promptly and keep to the deadlines, as the support you get with it is extremely helpful’

A2 Language

‘The teachers are extremely helpful, particularly with the coursework which enabled me to improve my investigation before it was marked’.

‘I had a brilliant teacher!’

‘Feedback on homework and coursework was much greater and more helpful than in any other subject.’

‘The teaching was very clear, well-organised and easy to understand.’

‘I have really enjoyed my time in the English Department!’

AS Literature

‘I have really enjoyed the course and feel I have improved greatly since GCSE!’

‘I enjoyed the variety of poetry, novels and plays as well as the variety of modern and older texts in the course.’

‘Thoroughly enjoyed the course –teaching was brilliant. Really looking forward to the A2 year’.

‘Thanks for an enhancing and enlightening year. The depth of study was most enjoyable. It has significantly increased my appreciation and interest in literature. A very maturing and rewarding experience.’

A2 Literature

‘I feel the course has helped develop my English skills, such as vocabulary, but has also helped me to read in a new and different way, much more developed from GCSE. It is a great and interesting course’.

‘I have enjoyed the class immensely. Inspiring and intelligent discussion. I only hope English Lit at uni. is this amazing’.

‘Enjoyed every minute of it! Teaching was fantastic and of the highest quality. I’m really going to miss the lessons.’

‘Excellent course, would recommend it to anyone and everyone!’